Bartlett and Townsend win 2025 Dennis Tutty Awards

The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) is incredibly proud to announce Madison Bartlett and Chad Townsend as the two Dennis Tutty Award winners for 2025.

The Dennis Tutty Award is awarded annually to a current rugby league player who has demonstrated outstanding:

• A) leadership on and off the field

• B) commitment to their fellow players & to the advancement and protection of their rights

• C) service and dedication to the game of rugby league.

Dennis Tutty Award winners Madison and Chad were announced live on Channel Nine on Wednesday during Freddy and the Eighth.

Chad Townsend wins 2025 Dennis Tutty Award

Chad Townsend served as a player Delegate for several years before joining the Men’s Players Advisory Group (MPAG) in 2021 and was subsequently elected to the RLPA Board of Directors in 2024.

Throughout his career, Chad has been a consistent, strong and respected voice for the playing group. His public stance during the 2023 CBA negotiations played a significant role in securing positive outcomes for all NRL and NRLW players.

A passionate advocate, Chad has represented the interests of his teammates at the Sharks, Warriors, Cowboys, and Roosters, while also championing the rights and welfare of NRL players across the game. 

“On behalf of the RLPA and Board, I would like to congratulate Chad Townsend on his Dennis Tutty Award,” said Clint Newton OAM, CEO of the RLPA and Managing Director on the Board.

“I have known Chad for many years now and I have great admiration for who he is as a player, person, father and husband. He balances all those responsibilities with care and professionalism while also putting additional energy and time into relentlessly advocating for players.

“Over the past year I have proudly served alongside him on the Board of the RLPA, and his contributions to the governance of the players’ association have been incredible. Chad’s voice and direction have been hugely beneficial to all current, past and future players.

“This Dennis Tutty Award is an honour Chad richly deserves, and as it is awarded to him at the culmination of an excellent career, I wish him all the very best for what the bright future holds for him and his family.”

Madison Bartlett wins 2025 Dennis Tutty Award

Madison Bartlett is a passionate player advocate and leader in her roles as club Delegate, Women’s Player Advisory Group member, and Director on the RLPA Board.

Making the decision to step up on behalf of all players and assume a role on the Board of the RLPA can be a daunting prospect, but Madison has assumed her position impressively and professionally represents the interests of the collective in decision making.

As a very well-respected member of the RLPA’s player leadership structure, Madison is always willing and never shy to highlight issues occurring in the game or at her Club. Madison has been astute at identifying issues and also being greatly capable of problem solving and finding solutions.

Madison’s unwavering advocacy across multiple Clubs and the value she has brought to the RLPA Board made her a standout candidate for the 2025 RLPA Dennis Tutty Award from the NRLW.

“I would like to congratulate Madison on behalf of the RLPA and Board for her deserving Dennis Tutty Award,” said Clint Newton OAM.

“The roles that Madison has assumed for the players at the RLPA come with a great amount of responsibility. However, Madison has carried those duties with professionalism and respect.

“Whether it be an issue that comes with its challenges, or a circumstance that presents an opportunity for players, Madison takes up those responsibilities with fantastic leadership.

“Madison truly deserves this Dennis Tutty Award, and I look forward to continuing our work together on the Board of the RLPA and into the next phase of growth for the NRLW and its inspiring playing group.”

2025 Nominees for the Dennis Tutty Award:

Emma Verran

Emma is an incredible advocate for the game and stepped up to the Women’s Player Advisory Group (WPAG) in 2025. She took up the responsibility of the PAG with leadership and professionalism and also brought fresh energy to the group’s advocacy and decision making.

Consistently pushing for improvements in the game and player experiences, Emma has never shied away from tough conversations when they are necessary. Her ability to communicate with honesty and respect, combined with her responsiveness and key insights has earned her the trust of both players and staff of the RLPA.

Emma leads by example on and off the field, selflessly using her voice to represent the collective and push for much-needed progress, and is an invaluable leader for the players’ association.

Chelsea Lenarduzzi

For many years, Chelsea has played a pivotal role in shaping the current landscape of women’s rugby league and her significant contribution cannot be understated.

These contributions extend beyond her position as a club Delegate, WPAG member and Director on the Board, as she consistently leads the playing group with her respected voice and trusted actions.

Chelsea devoted significant time to the CBA negotiations, where she provided valuable guidance to the RLPA, attended negotiation meetings with the NRL, and consistently spoke publicly on key player issues.

She takes her approach to protecting and advancing players rights into all arenas and has continually advocated for her teammates at the Broncos and within the Women’s State of Origin camps. As a previous Dennis Tutty Award recipient, Chelsea has once again been nominated for her unwavering support and advocacy for the RLPA and its members.

Shaun Lane

Shaun Lane joined the Men’s Player Advisory Group (MPAG) in 2023 and was subsequently elected to the RLPA Board of Directors in 2025.

He has been a dedicated advocate for players, representing the Parramatta Eels playing group with distinction and contributing a strong voice to the strategic direction of the game. Shaun’s involvement in the CBA negotiations was particularly valuable, where he not only championed the interests of his fellow NRL players but also demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the rights and conditions of NRLW players.

Mitch Kenny

Mitch is the kind of teammate players want by their side on the field and the ally they want by their side off it.

A premiership-winning hooker, he leads with toughness, humility, and selflessness – always supporting those around him, regardless of their role or status. Mitch has been a standout RLPA Delegate and is now a member of the MPAG.

In his growing roles at the RLPA, Mitch continues to drive initiatives that strengthen the voice and wellbeing of players across the game. His loyalty, respect, and heartfelt leadership make him a deserving nominee for the Dennis Tutty Award.

Winners of the Dennis Tutty Award:

• 2025 Madison Bartlett (NRLW)
• 2025 Chad Townsend (NRL)
• 2024 Kennedy Cherrington (NRLW)
• 2024 Daly Cherry-Evans (NRL)
• 2023 Chelsea Lenarduzzi (NRLW)
• 2023 Wade Graham (NRL)
• 2022 Hannah Southwell (NRLW)
• 2022 Wade Graham (NRL)
• 2021 Ali Brigginshaw (NRLW)
• 2021 Christian Welch (NRL)
• 2020 Blake Green
• 2019 David Gower
• 2018 Jason Nightingale
• 2017 James Maloney
• 2016 Dene Halatau
• 2015 Tom Symonds
• 2014 Nate Myles
• 2013 Clint Newton
• 2012 Robbie Farah
• 2011 Andrew Ryan
• 2010 Petero Civoniceva
• 2009 Michael Gordon
• 2008 Jason King

About Dennis Tutty:

Dennis Tutty played rugby league long before the days of full-time professionalism. Before colour TV, Tina Turner and the NRL. When players played almost exclusively for their local clubs and, first and foremost, for their love of the game. Unfortunately, in this romanticised era of rugby league, where the greats of Arthur Beetson and Ron Coote made their names, player rights were often a passing thought for the game’s administrators.

Dennis’ actions in challenging the NSWRL’s transfer system in 1968, at great personal sacrifice, were not only pivotal in the emergence of a player’s rights movement but paved the way for the professionals of today.

The RLPA will ensure that Dennis’s legacy is never forgotten, and all players are reminded of the benefits his sacrifices provide them.

All The Players’ Awards will be announced on Channel 9 on the following dates:

• September 15: Players’ Rookie of the Year from the NRL
• September 17: Players’ Rookie of the Year from the NRLW
• September 22: Players’ Dream Team from the NRL
• September 24: Players’ Dream Team from the NRLW
• October 2: The Players’ Champion from the NRL and NRLW